‘Varanasi by SS Rajamouli’ is drawing a lot of attention since its announcement, but not just for its star-studded cast. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran. It has already hit a roadblock because of a dispute over its title.
Varanasi Caught In Title Rights Dispute – Will SS Rajamouli Change The Film’s Name?
The issue comes from Rama Bramha Hanuma Creations. They say that they registered the title Vaaranasi with the Telugu Film Producers’ Council in 2023. The registration was renewed from June 24, 2025, to July 23, 2026. Despite this, Rajamouli’s team used the title Varanasi at the film’s launch on November 15 at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. This sparked questions about who owns the title.
The production house has not filed a complaint yet. However, industry insiders wonder whether they will attempt to negotiate or take legal action. If a complaint is made, the Telugu Film Producers’ Council will look into it and decide who has the rights to the title.
If it doesn’t work in RRR director’s favour, it will be interesting to see whether he changes the title or negotiates for it.
The title dispute is not the only controversy around Varanasi. SS Rajamouli also faced criticism for comments he made about God during the teaser launch. He said, “This is an emotional moment for me. I don’t believe in God. My dad came and said Lord Hanuman is behind me and is guiding me. Is this how he takes care – thinking of this, I’m angry. My wife is also fond of Lord Hanuman. She behaves as if he were her friend and converses with him. I got angry at her as well.”
These remarks upset some Hindu organisations, including Vanarasena and Gow Rakshak Sangh. They filed a written complaint with the Saroor Nagar Police Inspector. They claimed that Rajamouli’s words “intentionally insult Hindu deities” and were “made with the intention of provoking religious hatred.”
Official Synopsis Revealed?
Meanwhile, fans are also talking about the film’s plot. Posts online claiming to share the official synopsis suggest a time-travel story. The plot involves an asteroid hitting Varanasi and raises questions like, “Is the world about to be doomed? Does it need a saviour who has to traverse across the continents and timelines to influence the most crucial moment in the history of Earth?”
It’s being said that Mahesh Babu may play a dual role, possibly as the main saviour who travels across time and even as Lord Ram. Official details are still secret, but the film promises a mix of history, mythology, and sci-fi adventure.
Varanasi is expected to be released in multiple languages in the summer of 2027.
